One of the best new synthpop bands in the world, California’s BlakLight, has a new song out called “Nightmares.” It’s a promising start for BlakLight’s second phase and our first taste of the direction the band is headed.
“Nightmares” is the first single from BlakLight’s sophomore album, which will be called Into the Void. The album will be released on October 8 and will include guest vocalists and other surprises, though they’re not ready to reveal who yet. I have some guesses.
BlakLight made their debut in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic with the perfect pandemic era song, “Isolation.” I named it number nine on my list of the best synthpop songs of 2020 for its sentimental message: “Come on take my hand, let’s dance in isolation.” The song soon appeared on BlakLight’s debut album, Music in a Time of Uncertainty.
BlakLight heads in a darker direction
“Nightmares” features Adam Collier’s now-signature twinkling synths but goes for a bit darker edge. Vocalist Brian Belknap sings of disturbing thoughts, including “shadows crawling up the wall” and “strangled by the pain of loss.”
There are also some guitar licks in the mix that amp up the aggression. On Facebook, BlakLight writes, “Hope everyone likes a bit of guitar…”
BlakLight has made a trend of including cover songs as the B-sides to their single releases, and “Nightmares” is no different. The single is accompanied by a cover of “Effigy (I’m Not An),” originally recorded by industrial legends Ministry for their 1983 debut album, With Sympathy, when Ministry was a synthpop band.
“Nightmares” will be followed by a second single in September called “Reset.” The B-side for that single will be a cover of Duran Duran’s 1981 single, “Careless Memories.”
BlakLight is in demand
In addition to recording a new album, BlakLight has been busy with other projects. They’ve contributed two original songs, “Blinded by the Sun” and “So Gone,” to compilation albums. They’ve also created several remixes for other artists, including Montage Collective, Obsession of Time, Nostalgia Deathstar, and others.
Brian’s unmistakable voice made a surprise appearance on Beyond Border’s “What Makes the World Go Round,” one of the best songs of the year.
They’re also gearing up for their first-ever live show. BlakLight will be performing in Hollywood, California, in November with another California-based synthpop band, Vain Machine. The future looks very promising for BlakLight.
